Artificial intelligence aids combat isolation through social networking platforms
In the bustling city of New York, where making connections can sometimes feel like a daunting task, a new wave of socializing is taking shape. This evolution is spearheaded by innovative apps like 222 and Kndrd, which aim to revolutionize the way people meet and form meaningful relationships.
Isabella Epstein, a New York resident under 40, found herself grappling with emotional challenges when it came to building connections after moving to the city in 2021. Her solution? To quit her job and launch the app Kndrd in 2023. Epstein's vision was to accumulate a network of contacts and organize impromptu events, fostering a circle of friends.
Unlike traditional dating apps, Kndrd targets New York women under 40 and allows its users to suggest activities and find partners for them. With approximately 10,000 users, the app has gained a foothold in the city's social landscape.
Another app making waves is 222, although its founding year remains undetermined. Keyan Kazemian, its co-founder, worked at Match Group, the parent company of Tinder and Hinge, before taking the plunge to create 222. Kazemian's mission is to help people form initial connections, progress to the next interaction, and ultimately, form long-lasting relationships.
The 222 app requires users to complete a lengthy questionnaire about their values, interests, drug tolerance, character traits, and other personal criteria. After dinner, users gather at a private art deco bar to meet potential friends or perhaps find something more. Users can rate and explain why they'd like to see certain people again or not after connections are made.
The business model of apps like Kndrd and 222 doesn't rely on time spent online, as their primary interest lies in encouraging real-life meetings. This focus on face-to-face interactions sets them apart from conventional dating apps, which, according to Keyan Kazemian, only focus on whether users will swipe right on the next person.
The rise of these apps comes at a time when social disconnection has become a significant concern for health professionals. In 2017, then US surgeon general Vivek Murthy described a "loneliness epidemic." A 2023 report found that social disconnection has a mortality impact similar to smoking up to 15 cigarettes a day and greater than that associated with obesity and physical inactivity.
The causes of social disconnection are multifaceted, including the disappearance of traditional socializing institutions, addictive digital platforms, the pandemic, and remote work. However, innovations like 222 and Kndrd offer a glimmer of hope, promoting real-life interactions and potentially combating the growing difficulties individuals face in forming meaningful connections.
Investors like Felix-Olivier Ngangue of Convivialite Ventures have also taken notice of the positive aspects of these apps. Ngangue notes that they provide a unique solution to the challenges of modern socializing, fostering connections that might not have been possible otherwise.
As these apps continue to evolve and gain traction, it remains to be seen how they will shape the future of socializing in cities like New York. For now, they stand as a testament to the power of innovation and the human desire for connection.
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